How to Get Rid of Fake Virus Pop-Ups

A sudden message saying your computer is infected can be frightening, especially when it flashes, makes a loud sound, or tells you to call a phone number immediately. Many of these messages are fake virus warning pop ups designed to scare you into clicking a link, installing unwanted software, or sharing personal information.

In most cases, you can close the message safely and change a few browser settings to stop it coming back. The important thing is not to follow the instructions in the warning itself.

Step 1: Do not click the warning

A fake virus alert may appear on a website, in a browser notification, or in a window that looks like a Windows security message. It may claim that Microsoft, Apple, or another trusted company has detected a serious problem.

1. Do not click buttons such as Call now, Clean your PC, Remove viruses, or Renew protection in the warning.
2. Do not call a phone number shown in the message.
3. Do not download an app or allow remote access because the warning tells you to.
4. If the message is in your web browser, close the tab using the tab’s X button if you can do so safely.
5. If the page will not close, close the browser window. You can also press Alt + F4 to close the active window.

A genuine security alert should not pressure you to call an unfamiliar number or pay immediately to prevent a supposed disaster.

Careful: Do not give anyone remote access to your computer because of a pop-up. Never share passwords, bank details, or verification codes with someone who contacts you unexpectedly.

Step 2: Close a browser that will not respond

Some scam pages try to keep you on the page by repeatedly opening messages or displaying a full-screen warning. You do not need to interact with the page to get out of it.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Find your browser, such as Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome, in the list of running apps.
3. Select the browser.
4. Choose End task.
5. Wait a moment, then open the browser again.

When the browser asks whether you want to restore the previous session, avoid reopening the suspicious page. Choose a new tab or open a trusted homepage instead.

Tip: If you are unsure which window is responsible, close the browser rather than clicking around inside the warning. You can reopen it after the suspicious page has been closed.

Step 3: Turn off unwanted website notifications in Microsoft Edge

Some fake alerts are not ordinary pop-ups. They are website notifications that appear on the Windows desktop even when the website is not open. If you use Microsoft Edge, you can remove permission for the website to send them.

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Select Settings and more (the three-dot menu) in the upper-right corner.
3. Select Settings.
4. Choose Cookies and site permissions.
5. Select All sites or Notifications, depending on the version of Edge.
6. Find any unfamiliar website that you do not trust.
7. Open its permission settings and choose Block or Remove, if available.

You can also type edge://settings/content/notifications in Edge’s address bar and press Enter to open notification settings directly.

Step 4: Turn off unwanted website notifications in Google Chrome

If you use Google Chrome, check which websites are allowed to send notifications. Remove permission for any site you do not recognize or no longer want to hear from.

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Select Customize and control Google Chrome (the three-dot menu).
3. Select Settings.
4. Choose Privacy and security.
5. Select Site settings, then Notifications.
6. Under the section showing sites allowed to send notifications, find unfamiliar or suspicious websites.
7. Select the three-dot menu beside a site and choose Block or Delete, depending on the options shown.

You can also type chrome://settings/content/notifications in Chrome’s address bar and press Enter.

Good to know: Blocking a website’s notifications does not remove a virus from your computer. It simply stops that website from sending browser notifications. If you are still worried, run the Windows security scan in the next step.

Step 5: Run a scan with Windows Security

Windows 11 includes Microsoft Defender Antivirus, which can check your computer for malicious software. A fake website warning is not proof that your PC is infected, but running a scan is a sensible check if you clicked something or downloaded a file.

1. Select Start.
2. Type Windows Security and open the app.
3. Select Virus & threat protection.
4. Select Quick scan.
5. Wait for the scan to finish and follow any recommended actions.

If you downloaded or opened a suspicious file, consider choosing Scan options and running a Full scan. This takes longer because it checks more files and locations.

If Windows Security reports a threat, follow the instructions shown in the app. Do not use a phone number or download link from the original pop-up to fix it.

Step 6: Remove suspicious apps or browser extensions

If the warning started after installing an unfamiliar app or browser extension, review what was recently added. Only remove items you do not recognize or do not trust.

1. In Windows, open Settings.
2. Select Apps, then Installed apps.
3. Review the list for software you do not remember installing.
4. If you identify an unwanted app, select its three-dot menu and choose Uninstall.
5. In your browser, open the extensions page and review the installed extensions.
6. Remove an extension only if you are sure it is unwanted or untrusted.

In Edge, open Extensions from the three-dot menu, then Manage extensions. In Chrome, open the three-dot menu, choose Extensions, then Manage extensions.

Careful: Do not remove software just because its name is unfamiliar. Some items are legitimate drivers or components needed by your computer. If you are unsure, search for the app’s publisher or ask a trusted technician before uninstalling it.

Step 7: If you clicked the warning or shared information

If you only saw the pop-up and closed it, you may not need to do anything else beyond checking notifications and running a scan. If you downloaded a file, installed software, allowed remote access, or entered personal information, take extra care.

1. Disconnect from the internet if you believe someone is actively controlling your computer.
2. Use Windows Security to run a scan.
3. From a different device you trust, change passwords for accounts you entered on the suspicious page.
4. If you shared banking or payment details, contact your bank using the number on your card or its official website.
5. If you allowed remote access, ask a reputable computer support professional to check the PC.

Do not rely on a phone number or website supplied by the warning. Use contact details you find independently from an official source.

Troubleshooting: If the fake alerts keep returning

The warning appears even when the browser is closed. It may be a website notification. Review the notification permissions in Edge or Chrome and block unfamiliar sites.

The page keeps reopening. Close the browser with Task Manager, then reopen it without restoring the previous session. Check your browser’s startup settings if the page continues to appear.

Windows Security finds something. Follow the actions shown in Windows Security. If the threat cannot be removed or you are unsure what to do, contact trusted technical support.

I cannot tell whether the message is real. Close it without clicking its buttons. Open Windows Security yourself from the Start menu and check its protection status there.

Keep fake virus warnings at a distance

A frightening pop-up does not automatically mean your computer has a virus. Avoid clicking its links, remove unwanted website notification permissions, and use Windows Security to check your PC if you are concerned.

For further help, visit Microsoft’s official Windows Security support pages. Remember: close the warning and open security tools yourself, rather than trusting instructions inside a pop-up.